Although researchers have emphasized the importance of antecedents to the construct of authentic leadership very little empirical research exists to confirm this notion. Combining theoretical approaches from dramaturgy and narrative research we were able to identify possible antecedents that help followers perceive a leader's authenticity. Using two online experimental designs we analyzed the concept of perceived leader authenticity. Specifically we examined how a leader's enactment—that is a leader's physical actions—(Study 1 n = 105) and a combination of leader enactment and life storytelling (Study 2 n = 334) influenced followers' perceptions of the leader's authenticity and how this may impact leadership outcomes. The results of these studies in which leader enactment in the context of authentic leadership was operationalized for the first time indicate that leader enactment predicts perceived leader authenticity. Life storytelling however only partially predicted followers' perceptions of the leader's authenticity. Findings further revealed that followers' trust in the leader and positive emotions are outcomes of perceived leader authenticity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.